Damned If I Do Ya

The wedding party was the first to be introduced as they made their way to the tables. It's not like our guests didn't know them, but we owed them all recognition, if for nothing more than for putting up with Ember and I during the wedding planning. Besides, when they sat down, their gifts for being a part of the wedding were perfectly arraged on their tables. Each of them got something special, something that Ember and I picked out just for them.


Once everyone was seated, it was time for Ember and I to make our way inside. We weren't as nervous now, thanks to the bars, but we were still anxious and joyful by the fact that we just got married. I exhaled a deep breath and clung to Ember's hand, a smile creeping to my lips as we made our way inside. It was Alex who took over the mic, even though he wasn't due to have it until his best man speech, and introduced us for the very first time as a married couple.


"Everyone, I present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barakat!"


Hands started smacking together and cheers took over the reception. We began making our way to the table, but before we could reach it, I took Ember by surprise and pressed my lips to hers as I bent her back, the exact way I wanted to do for our first kiss as a married couple. A smile came to her lips as I straightened her back up and tugged her to our table. Everyone socialized for a bit before we were told it was time for dinner. Naturally, Ember and I got to go through the line first. The moment we were seated, the bridal party, including my own mother, got their plates and then the guests got up to feed themselves.


It was then that the mic was passed around to anyone who wanted it. Ember and I sat comfortably, smiles coming to our lips as people spoke to us and told us how happy they were for us. Carl spoke, mostly to Ember, about how he was an old fool and nothing made him happier than seeing her happy. My mom spoke, telling both of us how thankful she was that she could finally call Ember her daughter-in-law. Our friends took turns going around and of course, Alex claimed the mic last.


He walked around our gift table which was packed full and stood only a few inches from us, his wine glass in hand.


"Holey shit, you guys, Jack Barakat is married."


Even Ember and I had to giggle at that comment.


"You know, if I'm being honest, I never expected Jack and Ember to make it this far. Not because they didn't love each other, no, because for so long the universe seemed like it was out to get them. It seems like these two can't go any more than a month or two without the next big thing crowding up their path, and yet, here we are. It's not going to be easy for them, because when has it ever been? But I know that, as long as these two crazy kids have each other, they'll be just fine, no matter where they go in life. Ember," Alex turned to my new wife and placed a hand on her shoulder. He gave it a soft squeeze as he looked out over the crowd. "You've become one of my best friends over the years and I'm so glad that Jack found you. Even if a certain pair of underwear made the world think you were mine, you're like a sister to me and -" Alex had to stop himself from laughing, realizing what he said. "I love you."


Ember and I were both snickering as he moved to me, placing his hand on my shoulder just like he had with Ember.


"Jack, dude, you're married! Crazy times we live in, I swear. You've been my best friend for years and we both know that's never going to change. It's going to be hard, I admit, to share you with Ember.. but I've been doing it so long it seems liek second nature. The point is, I love both of you guys and I'm honored to be a part of this day. To Jack and Ember!"


Ember and I raised our glasses with the crowd. The clinks of the glass echoed around the room and then we were all swallowed the drink. From here, everyone began to quiet down and finish their meals, even though Ember and I were pretty much done. I didn't mind it.


"Guess what?"


"Hm?"


"I can finally call you Mrs. Barakat," I grinned.


"And it's totally worth the pain of having to change my name," she smiled back.


"I know we were family before, but look at us now. Jack, Ember and Bailey Barakat."


Ember put her head on my shoulder, letting the moment sink in. Even with all of our friends and family starting to chirp around us again, the only thing I could focus on was her. She was my past, my present and my future. She was everything I've ever wanted. The very rock that prevents me from hitting rock bottom, the only person who could love me even when I was at my worst. Ember put up with my bullshit, accepted it, even and gave herself to me whole-heartedly.


I think we both knew that things would never be the same after this, even if we don't change at all. We'd still be our own people, but from now on, we'd be a package deal. Where one goes, the other follows. Even if Ember decides to hang back on another tour, or if I go spend a few nights with the guys, it'd still be us against the world. And I couldn't ask for anything better.


"It's almost time to open the gifts," Ember giggled, glancing to the table that was loaded with fancy paper, gift cards and bags filled to the brim with tissue. "How many blenders do you think we got?"


"At least five," I smirked, shaking my head to the fact that she was still making jokes. "I bet there's a microwave or two in the mix, too."


Ember rolled her eyes and took a sip of her wine. I still couldn't get over how beautiful she was, or even the fact that she chose me to begin the rest of her life with. I'll never understand how I got so lucky, how this girl could go from being my annoying, surprise step-sister to the love of my life, but damn was it worth it.


"So what do you think life's going to throw at us now?"


"I don't know," Ember sighed, a small smile playing on her lips, "but whatever it, I can take it, just so long as I'm with you."

Notes

Well guys, no matter what Fran decides to do, this is my LAST chapter for this story! I have loved writing it and I hope you loved reading it. Now stop being so silent and leave us some comments! <3.